Staying Article, ridden by Pat Mangan, improved to lead four out but was strongly pressed once Blackstairmountain, under Paul Townend, arrived to challenge from two out. However Staying Article battled gamely from the last to record a length win.

Afterwards winning trainer Edward O'Grady stated “we had three options with Staying Article this weekend – either come here for this, or else go to either Punchestown or Cheltenham.

“He was 10lbs 'wrong' with Blackstairmountain today but that was a good confidence booster for him. He's in the Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse but might instead go for a race there the day before. That was a good performance.”

The complexion of the four-runner Grade 2 AGK Displays Craddockstown Novice Chase at Punchestown changed when 8/15 favourite Oscars Well and Robbie Power crashed out at the second fence, leaving the healthy pot wide open.